Pursuing the Promise of International Women’s Day

Empirical evidence proves the value of unleashing the talent represented in half of the population – WOMEN. Imperatives for this generation of leaders and the next: Be bold. Be progressive. Lean In.

I’m so grateful to have had the opportunity to help run the #SheLeads panel discussion held at WeWork Corrigan Station in Kansas City as part of its International Women’s Day programming. The time is now for us to come together and #PressforProgress. The time is now for us to create and support an inclusive sisterhood that propels women into the C-Suite, the boardroom and the next generation of leadership.

MCC chancellor part of the conversation on #InternationalWomensDay

By Clare Otto, March 9, 2018 | MCC Newsroom

Conversations about the status of women happened across the globe on Thursday, March 8. This year’s International Women’s Day sparked events including one in Kansas City in which Metropolitan Community College Chancellor Dr. Kimberly Beatty took part.

Topics included what some of the CEOs’ biggest challenges have been and the advice they would have given their 30-year-old selves and to women aspiring to become professionals like them.

Fenaroli said 98 percent of her peers are men. “I don’t have enough women growing fast enough in my pipeline. At 32, you’re child-bearing and you leave. Stay in the workforce,” said Fenaroli, adding she would like to see 50 percent of CEOs in Kansas City be women.

Dr. Beatty talked about the challenge of communication and the value of messaging: “You’re trying to make change and lead an organization forward, and you have to control the message the whole time.” One of her strategies has been consistent and detailed emails to the MCC staff.

The half-hour panel was set in the collaborative workspace of WeWork at 18th and Walnut streets.

As for advice for young professionals, Dr. Beatty said, “Find a mentor. When you’re 30, you think you know everything. You don’t. I made a lot of mistakes but I didn’t listen as well as I could have. Find a mentor who can say, Whoa Nelly, slow down — and actually be willing to listen.”

DeSouza advised, “Take better care of yourself. You have a family and a job, kids, but take care of yourself. Exercise, eat healthy. “

Hurt started her own company when she was 30. “My advice? Have no fear, come together. Have passion, and wear sunscreen.”

Each of the women were asked to provide two words of motivation in closing.

Bonus photo: As part of the event, attendees could get snapshots from a photo screen texted to them immediately. Enjoy this moment of levity from Dr. Beatty and MCC-Penn Valley President Dr. Tyjaun Lee.